Use of stents in laryngotracheal reconstruction in children: indications, technical considerations, and complications.

The keys to successful outcome in surgical repair of laryngotracheal stenosis in children are choice of surgical procedure, including possible need for stenting; choice of type and length of stent; and duration of stenting. Choosing the appropriate method for stenting requires considering consistency of stenosis, altered anatomy, size, location, and stability of grafts when used for surgical repair and host tissue healing factors. Possible stents that can be used include endotracheal tubes, Silastic sheet rolls, Montgomery T-tubes, and laryngeal stents. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Aboulker stent, an increasingly popular stent for use in children. Indications and associated technical considerations for using the stent in 18 cases are reviewed. Postoperative care and follow-up, directed against infection and towards securing the stent in its original location, and management of complications are discussed.